Osogbo shooting incident triggers panic as gunmen reportedly fire shots in parts of Osun State capital, prompting police investigation

Residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, were gripped by fear on Tuesday after unidentified gunmen reportedly opened fire in parts of the city, sending traders, motorists and pedestrians scrambling for safety.

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Eyewitnesses said the sound of repeated gunshots caused widespread panic as people abandoned their activities and rushed to secure locations to avoid being caught in the violence.

The shooting reportedly occurred in several areas of the city, although details surrounding the circumstances of the incident remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities had yet to confirm whether anyone was killed or injured, while no arrests had been announced in connection with the incident.

The development has heightened security concerns among residents, particularly against the backdrop of recent reports of violent incidents in Osogbo and neighbouring communities.

The uncertainty surrounding the motive for the shooting also fuelled speculation, although security agencies have urged the public to await the outcome of ongoing investigations.

Confirming awareness of the incident, the Osun State Police Command said officers had been deployed to gather information and establish the facts surrounding the shooting.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary findings had not linked the incident to any political group or activity.

“We are aware that there was shooting in some parts of the state, but whether it is branded with whatever party, that is what I don’t know because we have not seen any traces to that. Our control men are out now to gather some facts,” Ojelabi said.

The police spokesman added that investigations were ongoing and assured residents that the command was working to determine the cause of the disturbance.

Residents have called for increased security patrols and a swift response from law enforcement agencies to prevent further incidents and restore public confidence.